February is the month students and employees honor nearly 400 years of contributions to American life by people of African ancestry.

Between the 16th and 19th centuries, an estimated 645,000 African slaves were brought to the American colonies and later the United States. Descendants of those slaves -- and others -- helped build, defend, govern, feed, educate, entertain and inspire a nation.

Feb. 7

Singer, performer, filmmaker and photographer Byron Motley presents "The Negro Baseball Leagues: An American Legacy," an educational and entertaining look at the segregated baseball leagues and the roles they played in the early days of the civil rights movement. Included is a 10-minute preview of a documentary film Motley is producing on the subject. Be there: 12:30 p.m. in Atwood Theater.

"Pride and Perseverance: The Story of the Negro Leagues" is a 50-minute film narrated by Hall of Famer and native Minnesotan Dave Winfield. The film, which includes rarely seen footage from the 1920s through 1950s, is a Major League Baseball production. Be there: 4:30 p.m. in Atwood Theater.

Feb. 11

Ebony Night is a celebration of Black America. This year's theme is "Illuminating our Path, Revealing Our Essence." Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for non-students. Be there: 6-9 p.m. Atwood Ballroom.

Feb. 13

"Brown Sugar: A Night of Poetry" will feature spoken-word performances, music and conversation, by and about African Americans. Be there: 6 p.m. in The Quarry, Atwood Memorial Center.

Feb. 13-17

Look for the "Black Love: A Week of Facts" kiosk in Atwood Memorial Center. Questions, facts and prizes about everything Black.

February 15

Daniel Bergin, award-winning film documentarian and adjunct faculty member, will screen "North Star: Minnesota’s Black Pioneers." The film discusses Minnesota’s African American citizens and their histories. Bergin will facilitate a discussion following the screening. Be there: 2 p.m. in Room 120, Stewart Hall.

Feb. 16

The film "Memphis Dreams: Searching for the Promised Land" reveals the tragic story of the African-American experience, documenting the brutal reality of slavery, the milestones in the struggle for fundamental rights, and the 1968 killing of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis. Be there: 5 p.m. in Atwood Theater.

Programming is sponsored by these St. Cloud State entities: Council for African American Students, Liberian Student Association, Multicultural Student Services, Media Out of the Box, Cultural Diversity Committee and the Student Finance Committee. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.